The main ingredient in this gratin is cauliflower, which I love. Sure, it’s not super flavorful on its own but it is a great substitute for rice. And because it is not super flavorful, it’s a great vegetable that you can use to carry other flavors. And when I say ‘other flavors’, I mean cheese. Lots of cheddar cheese.

You get it.

I don’t mean to hate on Halloween; but I am always psyched when November 1st rolls around. Thanksgiving has always been at the top of my list for favorite holidays. I come from a big family – my mom is one of 10 and I am one of 30 cousins; and Thanksgiving is the one holiday where that side of my family gets together. Plus it’s a holiday that’s centered around a meal, so you KNOW that I’m in.

Alright, let’s dig in to this cauliflower cheddar and rice gratin. To be honest, this turned out even better than I had hoped! It is warm and comforting, just the way Thanksgiving recipes should be. Oh and it’s also covered in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce that is LIFE CHANGING.

The sauce is made with a very specific cheddar cheese – Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar. (But you could totally make this with any cheddar cheese.) This is an aged white cheddar with hints of parmesan. And you know how parm kind of breaks apart because of the crystal-like structure? Yea, this does that too.

Go buy it. (Not an ad… I just really, really love that cheese.)

Make sure you check out all the BGB Friendsgiving posts below, or search the hashtag #bgbfriendsgiving on social media for all the drool-worthy recipes.

Do you celebrate Friendsgiving? Tell me what you’re making in the comments below!

If you make this Cauliflower Cheddar and Rice Gratin, don’t forget to post a picture on social media and use the hashtag #imhungrybynature for a chance to be featured!

This sounds amazing Ellie! I think I’m going to try it out soon! I’m a sucker for anything cauliflower. I can’t believe your family is so big too! I have like a total of 3 cousins haha!! And your photography looks amazing! I want to dive into that pan. Happy Friendsgiving friend!

Okay, I’m not lying when I say my mouth was watering when I read your description of the dish and saw the accompanying pictures. In short: this is -so- up my alley.
Also: 30 cousins?! Wow! And you’re all getting together for Thanksgiving? I always thought our family get-togethers were huge but I can’t imagine yours. That has to be fun!